SUSRUR Towards SUStainability and resilient scenarios for tourism SMEs in RUral & Remote Areas
The SUSRUR project consortium has successfuly concluded its ACCELERATOR program, designed to support SMEs in the tourism sector across five rural and remote areas of Europe: Asturias (Spain), Western Macedonia (Greece), Harghita (Romania), Utena (Lithuania), and Steirisches Vulkanland (Austria).
ACCELERATOR Program Overview:
The program, launched under OPEN CALL #1, aimed to empower SMEs through a comprehensive support package valued at €6,000 per participant. This package included:
- Training and Capacitation Resources: Tailored to enhance business strategies in sustainable tourism.
- Webinars with Industry Experts: Offering insights from leaders in the field.
- Mentoring Program: Providing one-on-one guidance to refine and advance business ideas.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections with other industry professionals and potential collaborators.
- Tourism Sustainability Certification: A €1,000 investment towards certifying sustainable practices.
Participation and Results:
- Applications Received: 36
- Eligible Applications: 28
- Accepted for Funding: 26, with a total grant allocation of €156,000.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in seven labs, a mix of online and in-person sessions, which guided them through key aspects of sustainable tourism development. The program culminated in a study visit to Steirisches Vulkanland, Austria, where participants had the chance to witness sustainable tourism practices in action and draw inspiration for their own ventures.
The SUSRUR ACCELERATOR has successfully equipped SMEs with the tools and knowledge to drive sustainable tourism in their regions, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility and cultural preservation in rural tourism.